Scholarships to help kick start a career in health

CLARENCE Valley residents interested in providing health care are invited to apply for a number of $2500 scholarships being offered by the Clarence Valley Council.

Mayor Richie Williamson said the aim of the scholarships was to encourage valley residents to study in a health-related field with a view to them practising in the area when they completed their studies, or to help health professionals upgrade or maintain their skills.

"We offer these scholarships because we recognise the importance of having a healthy community," he said.

"We want people training in health care, and are particularly keen to have members of the Aboriginal community apply."

To be eligible, applicants must be Australian citizens or permanent residents, with their principal home address in the Clarence Valley. They must also be able to demonstrate they are available to practise in the area.

Cr Williamson said preference would be given to applicants interested in studying in the following fields: allied health (occupational therapy, physiotherapy and speech therapy, podiatry, counselling, dietetics, exercise physiology, clinical psychology and social work); Aboriginal health; prevention of chronic disease and obesity; positive ageing, and; health education related to aged care, community care or care of people with a disability.